In fall 1985, a study was conducted to assess the status and function of international education coursework at California community colleges, and the ethnographic characteristics of faculty and students teaching or enrolled in international education classes. Questionnaires were mailed to deans of instruction at California's 106 community colleges. Study findings, based on an 85% response rate, included the following: (1) for the 5-year period 1980-85, only 18% of the colleges said they offered international trade courses, and only 25% of the colleges had plans to offer such courses; (2) international business/trade courses were required for business majors at only two colleges; (3) 4% of the colleges had a foreign language graduation requirement, while 14% required intercultural education coursework; (4) the primary administrative problems cited with such courses were lack of student interest, lack of community interest, low instructional priority, and lack of funds; (5) 79% of the respondents indicated that less than 5% of their student body were foreign students; (6) international business students' average ages were between 30 and 34; and (7) 38 of the colleges reported having developed community activities relevant to international business education, with the most common activity being the development of private industry liaisons. Appendices include the survey instrument, 31 ideas for initiating international work, and statements of support for international education. A 36-item reference list is also included. (LAL)